"Not What it Used to Be"

Twenty years ago the Mall at Bellevue was "the next big thing," as was the surrounding neighborhood. Now known better as "Exit 196" off of I-40, the mall is entirely empty and the area itself struggles to find a positive identity. There are nicer parts of what some consider "Bellevue," but those areas are in fact nearer to Harpeth or Fairview. Given that this area is only a few miles West of Belle Meade, one can understand the optimism that initially greeted this area when it was first developed, but perhaps because of the lack of office space, medical facilities or good schools that so define other parts of greater Nashville/Davidson, its decline was as rapid as its ascent. There are still nice houses and neighborhoods to be found, but resale value is sketchy, at best, as demand tends to now be closer to town or in more well thought-of areas such as Brentwood. There is one private high school - Ensworth - which also has the distinction of being the most expensive in all of greater Nashville, albeit with varying academic results. If you are moving somewhere to stay and do not mind driving your child across town to a good school - then this may be fine for you. Otherwise, look elsewhere.